Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention

What is a Cross Connection?

A cross connection is a connection between a potable drinking water supply and a possible source of contamination or pollution. Under the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1971, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established national standards for safe drinking water. Each state is required to enforce the various regulations of the Safe Drinking Water Act and how it relates to its state laws.

To meet these provisions, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires all public water suppliers to implement and enforce the Cross-Connection Control Program requirements.

Common locations where cross-connections are found include lawn irrigation systems and fire sprinkler systems.

What is Backflow?

Backflow is defined as the undesirable reversal of the flow of water or mixtures of water and other liquids, gases or other substances into the City’s water system. These situations can introduce pollutants and contaminants into a public or private water supply when a change in pressure is experienced. These pollutants and contaminants can present health hazards to the residents that utilize the potable water supply. Backflow prevention assemblies are designed to protect the public water system from these types of concerns.

Testing of Backflow Prevention Assemblies

All backflow protection assemblies must be tested upon installation, repair, relocation, or replacement. Since backflow prevention assemblies are mechanical devices that will degrade over time, all backflow assemblies should be tested periodically to ensure they are in working order.

All Fair Oaks Ranch Utility customers must have their assemblies tested on a frequency based on the type of hazard the assembly protects against. 

• Backflow prevention assemblies which are installed to provide protection against health hazards (e.g. irrigation systems on properties with septic tanks/OSSF) must be tested annually. 
• Backflow prevention assemblies that are installed to provide protection against non-health hazards must be tested every three (3) years (e.g. irrigation systems on properties without septic tanks/OSSF, fire sprinkler systems, etc.).
  
  

The City of Fair Oaks Ranch has partnered with Vepo, LLC to allow for the online submission of Backflow Prevention Assembly Test and Maintenance Reports. All testing information will be entered directly by the tester into the online password-protected system provided by Vepo, LLC. Paper test reports will not be accepted by the City.

Please Note: Backflow prevention assemblies on fire protection sprinkler systems are required by the State Fire Marshall to be tested and/or repaired by a BPAT who is a full-time employee of a fire protection sprinkler company that is licensed with the State Fire Marshall's Office.

Find or Become a Registered Tester 

All Backflow Prevention Assembly Testers (BAPTs) are required to register with Vepo, LLC. 

Click here to find a BPAT registered to work in the City of Fair Oaks Ranch.

Click here to download a Quick Start Guide on how to become a registered BPAT.

Questions? Please call the City’s Environmental Program Manager at (210) 698-0900.